Laughlin Buzz

Oct 31, 2014

Right now (as of Oct. 31st) a check of the Laughlin Event Center website showed only 6 tickets left in the $350 seats. Of course, you can check with your favorite hotel/casino for tickets/packages.

Tickets available at laughlineventcenter.com as of Oct. 31st.

The opening band will be Drake White and The Big Fire.

The event starts at 8 pm; Gates open 6:30 pm

Tim McGraw has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 35 No. one singles. He's won three Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, 10 American Music Awards, three People's Choice Awards and numerous other honors. Reminder: There is no on site parking at the Laughlin Event Center. Hotels and Casinos generally operate shuttle service (free) and there is parking at the mall. It is also a short walk (albeit uphill on the way) from Casino Drive. In the past they have also closed Bruce Woodbury from Casino Drive to Thomas Edison from 4pm to 11pm on the night of concerts. We expect this will be the case again for this concert. Visit the Laughlin Buzz for more about the area.

*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. We received no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. Times, venues, dates, etc..are the sole responsibility of the entity putting on the event and are subject to change.

Oct 30, 2014

In the past we have mentioned the Cove Bar and Lounge as a good place for drinks and appetizers.

We stopped in the Cove to have a very early nightcap and saw they expanded and changed their appetizer menu lightly. Four new items included Kobe Beef Sliders, Bonsai Buffalo Wings, Pan Seared Dates, and Prosciutto and Asparagus Twists. The Zucchini Fritte (which we loved) and the Sweet Potato Fries (never tried) appeared to be taken off.

Partial Menu at the Cove

A Naked Margarita and a Bloody Mary later our order of the Kobe Beef Sliders and
Wings arrived.

Kobe Beef Sliders

The Kobe Beef Sliders were excellent, although we would of preferred them just a tiny
bit more medium instead of well done. Two sliders come per order. One slider is topeed with a ring of grilled pineapple and teriyaki. The second one has bacon and cheddar. It was tough to choose
which one was better but we both agreed on the Pineapple one. We would definitely order
them again. Price $11 and comes with a small side of hand cut fries.

Bonsai Buffalo Wings

The Bonsai Buffalo Wings are described on the menu as Jumbo wings with a cool cucumber dill sauce with a Wasabi kick. They were large wings, 5 to an order. The breading and wings themselves were infused with the sauce, which had a good flavor and just the right amount of kick. The cool cucumber dill sauce on the side complimented it well. For our personal taste they were just a bit less
crisp than we like our wings. Mostly due to the breading. The chicken was cooked throughout and was tasty. Would we order them again? Possibly, but with a request to make sure they are a bit crispier. A side of celery or carrot sticks with them would of been a nice touch too. Luckily for us plenty of celery comes with the Bloody Mary. Price $11 is a little bit high for just 5 wings.

Next time we will try the other two new items we saw--the Pan Seared Dates and Prosciutto and Asparagus.

Our server was extremely friendly and in spite of how busy it was this night, she was very prompt
and attentive.

They have many specialty Martini's on the drink menu too. If you like it sweet then the Pineapple Upside Down Cake or Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini is a must try.

*All reviews are based on our own personal experience and are not endorsed or paid for by the restaurant.. Your own experiences may vary based on tastes, preferences, and other variables. Information contained herein, such as pricing, hours, menu items, etc., is subject to change by the restaurants. Reviews are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Full disclosure - we often get complimentary tickets from the AcePlay players club which can be used at the Cove or Duet. These can be earned for players who get to the green or red levels and are given out weekly. Would we go to the Cove without them? Perhaps, but not as often if we had to pay full price. Still, we do find it a good place for drinks, big appetizers that are share-able. They also have tv's and some music (weekends). The lounge is also non-smoking and located steps off the Riverwalk.

Oct 29, 2014

Laughlin, NevadaLaughin Gaming Revenue Up as overall Nevada revenue is down.The recent release of numbers by the Nevada Gaming Control Board showed Laughlin had a gaming revenue of $34,410,452, which is an increase of 3.92 percent for September (2014).This is good news for Laughlin as overall Nevada gaming revenue dropped 5.96 percent.This also was much better for Laughlin after two previous months of lower revenue:August 2014 showed a drop of 6.64 percent.July 2014 showed a drop of 0.7 percent.The following are the gaming revenue percentages for September for:Boulder Strip +14.28%Laughlin +3.92%Mesquite +1.19%North Las Vegas +0.59%Downtown Las Vegas -3.98%Las Vegas Strip -12.12%

*Numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

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All content and pictures are presented for informational and entertainment purposes. Time, events, data, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. Number are quoted and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.

With the anticipated start of gaming* at the Laughlin River Lodge less than a week away we took a look at how things were progressing.

*Gaming is to start November 1st (2014) at 8am. There will be no live table games or poker room

(click or tap any image for a larger view)

Most of the gaming floor is now filled with slot and video style machines. They are well spaced out with plenty of room between the stations. Chairs were still in boxes ready to be unpacked and added to the floor.

In addition to the main floor there are two Dotty's sections to the floor. The first one is just past the bar on the main floor and is enclosed by glass doors. Perhaps this one will be the non-smoking Dottys? That is our guess. A peek inside showed it seems to look like the other Dotty's parlours we have visited in Henderson and like the one in Boulder City. They have a old fashioned homey cafe look to them with plants, tables, bookshelves and a main amenities/snack/drink section. These following three pictures are how the Dotty's in the Hacienda (soon to be Hoover Dam Lodge) looks. Owned by the same people. They are not exactly how the one in the Laughlin River Lodge will look but should be similar.

Dotty's in Boulder City

Dotty's in Boulder City

Dotty's in Boulder City

The Dotty's is where the old River Palms Bingo room was, just past the hotel registration desk. They have now opened up that room and taken the glass doors off.

The flyer that the Laughlin River Lodge sent out do not specify the name of their Players Club. They simply say "Laughlin's Newest and Most Rewarding Player's Club". Inquires we made on the Laughlin Buzz Facebook group received the information that the Players Club will be a Dotty's. We were told if you already have a Dotty's card you are good to go.

A sign in the hotel confirmed the Dotty's Players Club.

Here is a copy of the flyer the Laughlin River Lodge sent out talking about the opening on November 1, 2014. Click on it for a larger view.

Nothing had changed on the lower floor. Denny's and the Lodge are the open restaurants. Be sure to check times and dates as November 1st gets here. The Buffet had lights on and some workers in it. The sign said opening soon.

On the outside the signs are slowly being changed. They tore the River Palms section of the main sign off and it remains skeletal on top.

The main section of the hotel also had the River Palms wording and logo taken off. No mention of the Laughlin River Lodge yet but we assume there will be some kind of a paint job to remove the large sun emblem and make it match the rest of the decor.

Of course, you can still the see outline remnants of the River Palms on the building.

The side of the building (facing the Riverwalk) has had the River Palms wording removed nicely.

In the back of the hotel, the River Palms emblem way up on top was still in place. Bullhead City, AZ can still look and see the River Palms.

For more pictures and info about the Laughlin River Lodge we also posted an earlier update of the progress here. A sample of the refurbished room is pictured there as well.

For a sneak preview of the Laughlin River Lodge including comments and pictures (courtesy of Joe K.) visit the Laughlin Buzz facebook group here: Facebook Group for Laughlin

We are looking forward to the opening on November 1st and will share more then!

Oct 26, 2014

Laughlin, NevadaThe 17th Annual Community Achievement Awards banquet took place last night at the the Aquarius Casino Resort.

Fred Doten was named Citizen of the Year Fred Doten is the Chairman of the Laughlin Town Advisory Board as well as a member of the Public Works Committee. He is the Commander and historian for American Legion Post 60 and serves at the district, state and national levels. He also is active in VFW Post 243, Purple Heart Post 730, the Disabled American Veterans, West Point Society of Las Vegas and Elks Lodge 2872.

The other awards went to:

Youth Citizen of the Year
Michael Cordero, Laughlin Junior/Senior High School

Spirit of Arizona Award
Jack Hakim, Bullhead City Mayor

Spirit of the Colorado River Award
Karole Finkelstein

Public Service Award
Emily Fromelt, Bullhead City Police Department

Civic Service Award
Kathleen Bruck, Bullhead City Council Member

Humanitarian Award
Shelley Gibson

Community/Social Service Organization Award
WestCare

Educator of the Year
Alise Andrews, Laughlin Junior/Senior High School, performing arts teacher

Communications Award
Lance Ross, Valley View Medical Center (Fort Mohave) director of community relations and marketingGreen Business Award
Harrah’s Laughlin was named winner of the Green Business Award.

Oct 24, 2014

3rd Annual Laughlin International Film Festival - 2014 WinnersIn a ceremonay at the Tropicana Laughlin’s Pavilion Ballroom the winners of the four day festival were announced.

For Immediate Release:

Winners announced for Laughlin Film Festival

LAUGHLIN, Nev. – Team LIFF is proud to announce the winners for the third annual Laughlin International Film Festival, which was held from Oct. 16-19, 2014.

“We are so pleased with the turn out we have had this year,” said Erik Karsen Puhm, director of LIFF. “There were so many great film entries submitted and we hope to keep seeing it grow as we prepare for next year.”

The event kicked off on Oct. 16 with the red carpet premiere of “Deuce of Spades” a hot-rod 1950's era film by French filmmaker Faith Granger. Following the film Granger answered several questions from the packed audience and signed autographs.

“It is a joy to see these movies have a good audience showing. It helps support those who create these independent movies,” said Dave Davidson, director of operations for the film fest. “We'd love to see more local filmmakers involved and get a chance to show their masterpieces.”

And that is just what two Needles residents did over the weekend.

Brian Brown, a third year LIFF participant previewed his fourth film “Verdict”, while newcomer Andrea Z. Smith premiered her first-ever crime documentary “Verdict: The Terrifying Story of Sunny Coleman”.

Over the four days, participants got to attended close to 75 films, workshops, social events, awards dinner and director panel breakfast.

The winners of the 2014 Laughlin International Film Festival are as follows:

Best Short Documentary—Jesse and the Fountain of Youth--directed by Tracey Anarella
Best Web Series—Royals the Series--directed by Niki koss
Best Soundtrack/Score—Moustache—directed by Carl Evans
Best Experimental Work—Only in LA—directed by Jus Riddick
Best Animation Video—I Need My Monster—directed by Stephen Baker
Best Music Video—Look Away-by Eliza
Best Local Film—Verdict—directed by Brian Lee Brown
Outstanding Production Value—What Future—directed by Harry Kakatsakis
Best Cinematic Film—Our Father—directed by Linda Palmer
Best Storytelling—The Long Wait—directed byWolfgang Bodison
Best Ensemble Cast—Goin' Guerilla—directed by James Christopher
Best Thriller/Horror—Antisocial Behavior—directed by Kenneth Guertin
Humanitarian Award—One in a Million—directed by Trevor Baierl
Best Lead Actress—Christina Harding for Moustache
Best Lead Actor—Michael Gross for Our Father
Best Comedy Film—The Backseat—directed by Ryan O'Leary
Best Drama Film—The Badger Game—directed by Joshua Wagner
Harry “Bud” Holland Award—Victim: The Terrifying Story of Sunny Coleman by Andrea Zindel-Smith
Best University Film—A Plush Life—directed by Bryn Hubbard
Tropicana Award/Best University Film—Into the Silent Sea—directed by Andrej Landin
Best International Short Film—Remembering the Fallen—directed by Julien Grincajgier
Best International Documentary—Shunned—directed by Janice Villarosa
Best International Narrative Film—Blackbird—directed by Jamie Chambers
2014 LIFF Pick—Deuce of Spades—directed by Faith Granger
LIFF Director Award—Penance—directed by Jeff Wolfe
Best U.S. Short Film—Premium Harmony—directed by Daniel Algarin and Toby Louie
Best U.S. Narrative Feature—Three Holes, 2 Brads and a Smoking Gun—directed by Hilarion Banks
Best U.S. Documentary—Music City USA—directed by Chris McDaniel
LIFF 2014 Grand Jury Award—Moustache—directed by Carl Evans

The winners for Audience Pick Feature Film and Short Film were not yet announced at press time.LaughlinBuzz.Com

If you are into a really good steak in Laughlin and stop in the Outback Steakhouse, disappointment might be your dinner companion. But if you want what seems to be the fast food of steak you can find it at there. Sadly, the prices are not that of fast food either.

After the visit one of our guests said:

Outback Steakhouse is to Steak as the Olive Garden is to Italian Food*

The Outback we recently visited is in the Aquarius Resort Casino in Laughlin Nevada. As one walks in you are welcomed with a nicely and recently remodeled restaurant. The location is steps off the Casino floor and even features patio seating virtually steps from the gaming tables and machines.

Despite the new decor there has not been any additional attention to the quality of the food.

After swearing off eating at this particular location, we have been back a couple times. Each time we have re-visited it was out of convenience or because friends or guests wanted to eat there.

Be warned, lines are usually long. Especially on weekends. They weren't this time as it was early dinner on a weeknight. We got seated right away. Lines are usually long most likely because of the convenience factor we mentioned or that it always seems like it would be a good place to eat. +See a suggestion of ours at the end of this review.

The menu selection is as good just as at any Outback Steakhouse. After all it is a chain. Our service this time was better than in the past. Our only complaint was that the food came out too fast. Salads were out before we finished appetizers. Main meals were dropped off while we were only half done with salads.

The Food:

We had enjoyed the Ahi Tuna appetizer in the past at the Outback. Although it wasn't as good as the one we had at the Saltgrass Steakhouse (Golden Nugget Laughlin). We had also tried the Crab & Avacado stack before and enjoyed it. Based on this the Great Barrier Trio Appetizer sounded like a good choice.

Advertisement for the Great Barrier Trio Appetizer

The actual Great Barrier Trio Appetizer

The Great Barrier Trio appetizer is described on the menu as Sashimi-style Ahi Tuna with a drizzle of soy dressing, crispy coconut shrimp and a mini version of the tasty Crab & Avocado Stack.

None of us liked it. The coconut shrimp were semi-crispy and not very large, only 3. The stack was very light on the crab and tasteless. The Ahi Tuna was terrible, one bite each and we left the rest. It was a texture thing, although it wasn't unfresh, it didn't seem quite right. Pieces wouldn't even cut easily. Apparently this is new and for a limited time. Good thing. We won't ever have it again and now won't even try the regular Ahi Tuna here. Hopefully, it doesn't ruin Ahi Tuna for us everywhere. This was a bad start. $12.99 for an appetizer to share isn't terrible if it is good. This wasn't.

Luckily, there were drinks and a Fosters to get the bad taste of the tuna out of our mouth.

Salads were dropped off quickly, which in this case wasn't so bad since the appetizer was so bad. We have come to realize the single best thing you can order at the Outback Steakhouse is a salad.

The best part of the Outback Steakhouse

Not sure if their blue cheese is really from a Danish Island but it tops a very nice salad. They do charge you additional for the Premium salad.

As usual the Pecan Blue Cheese Chopped Salad was very good. However, they seem to have downsized it a bit since the last time we visited.

We were surprised to see the steak and lobster tail special on the menu.

The Advertisement for Victoria's Filet Mignon
and Lobster at Outback Steakhouse

The actual Victoria's Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail Served

Sometimes at various Outback locations, including this one in Laughlin, the specials advertised in the media are not available.

Our party ordered:

Sirloin and Lobster Tail

Filet and Lobster Tail (2 orders)

Baby Back Ribs

We advised our guest to get the Victoria's Filet Mignon instead of the Sirloin. Years ago we used to love the Outback Special Sirloin. The past few times we had it the quality is just low. Usually the Filet is much better. Not great but better.

This time taking just a couple bites it is obvious this is just not great steak. Both cuts of steak seemed almost the same. The Filet was slightly better but had a far too mushy texture and both steaks had virtually no seasoning. The sides, Baked Potato and Broccoli was average. They could of trimmed the long stems on the Broccoli a bit.

The lobster tail was small, perhaps 4 oz., and slightly overcooked, dry and not very sweet tasting. Searching for a word to describe it the best that comes to mind is unspectacular. The $26.99 tab for steak and lobster seems reasonable and the meal isn't terrible or worth sending back but the quality and satisfaction isn't there. We started thinking of all the other things we could of gotten elsewhere for the same price. The steaks we made on the grill at home a couple weeks ago were much better.

The Ribs were surprisingly tender and fall off the bone good.

As we had experienced it before we knew that their BBQ sauce wasn't our favorite. Too much bite covering up the flavor of the ribs. But this is a matter of personal preference. The ribs were good enough to make it worth ordering. The plate the ribs and fries were served on was far too small. Nothing was given to put the bones in and to top it off the server put the wet napkins under the ribs on the plate. Why?

Discovered under the rack of ribs

Ribs are Full order 20.99 1/2 order 16.49 The Aussie fries were tasteless and served only semi-warm and lacked seasoning.

Our server went through the motions of asking us if we wanted dessert, but didn't ask if we wanted more drinks previously. We declined and paid our bill.

Our Recommendation:
Overall the prices are too high for the quality of food.

When enough time passes we tend to forget why we said "No More" Outback. We just got another reminder.

Go for a salad.
Go for a drink.
Skip the Steak.

How long can we stay away this time?

*No offense to Olive Garden or Outback Steakhouse lovers. This is our opinion based on our tastes and preferences. Your results may vary depending on your own! + If you have to or want to eat at the Aquarius, the Vineyard restaurant is a few steps beyond the Outback Steakhouse. For virtually the same price you can get a far better quality dinner. In a nice, quiet location with good service. Yes, it is primarily an Italian spot but they also have steak, fish and other choices. Keep in mind they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, at the Cove Lounge they offer the same appetizers that are served at the Vineyard (after 4pm).

*All reviews are based on our own personal experience and are not endorsed or paid for by the restaurant.. Your own experiences may vary based on tastes, preferences, and other variables. Information contained herein, such as pricing, hours, menu items, etc., is subject to change by the restaurants. Reviews are presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Oct 20, 2014

Alan Jackson will be at the Laughlin Event Center on February 21, 2015

Laughlin is a hot Alan Jackson market as he was just here in May of this year. Tickets for the February 15th show are on sale now at the Laughlin Event Center website or check with local Casino's for packages/tickets.

*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them. We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Oct 19, 2014

Laughlin Preferred Outlet Mall SoldThe Laughlin mall has a new owner and will soon have a new name: Priceless Outlets of Las Vegas at LaughlinPriceless Outlets of Las Vegas at Laughlin, LLC, a member of the Moonbeam Capital Investments group of companies, purchased the mall on October 9, 2014. Moonbeam Capital Investments is based out of Las Vegas and has already had a track record of successful revitalization of projects similar to the Laughlin mall. The mall, which has steadily lost stores and generally seems very empty except on weekends. Hopefully, the new owners will attract some fresh, new tenants and even improve the food court and services offered. No word has been received on when the re-branding and new name will take place.

Laughlin Outlet Center Has a New OwnerOctober 9, 2014—Laughlin, Nevada, on the banks of the Colorado River, is one of the most visited casino and resort destinations in the Silver State. Soon, there will be another reason to visit Laughlin.On October 9, Priceless Outlets of Las Vegas at Laughlin LLC, a member of the Moonbeam Capital Investments group of companies, purchased the Laughlin Outlet Center, located on South Casino Drive across from the Aquarius Casino Resort.“The Laughlin Outlet Center is in a prime location,” stated Steven Maksin, CEO of Moonbeam Capital Investments, “and has a lot of potential. Moonbeam will be deploying its in house expertise and resources in management, leasing and marketing to assist in turning the property around. We will evaluate the needs of the community, tourists and tenants and develop the right strategy to make this once again one of the main shopping destinations of Las Vegas. To start, we will re-brand the Center as the Priceless Outlets of Las Vegas at Laughlin”.Las Vegas-based Moonbeam Capital Investments is one of the fastest growing, unleveraged, private equity funds in the country. Moonbeam specializes in acquiring delinquent commercial real estate loans and underperforming assets and focuses on stabilizing and enhancing its properties as long-term investments. Over the last few years, Moonbeam has acquired more than 50 properties totaling over 13 million square feet of gross leasable area, including enclosed malls, shopping centers, office buildings, an apartment building and a hotel.Moonbeam has already had several notable success stories. At the Greeley Mall in Greeley, Colorado, sales have been trending up every year and are now at a pre-recession high. At Spectrum Plaza near Houston, Texas, physical and economic occupancy increased from 30% to over 87% in the first few months of ownership.

*All content in this blog post is presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. The press release was from the new owner. We receive no compensation from the properties, companies, organizations mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. Opinions beyond the press release remain our own.

Oct 16, 2014

Located/Partnered with FatBurger in the Riverside Casino, Laughlin, NV

Back in September we shared a story about the new Buffalo's restaurant in the Riverside Casino. It is actually at the Fatburger located right off the Casino floor.

While we still haven't had an opportunity to try their chicken wings or tenders, we did hear from one unhappy customer who shared her experience with us on our Facebook page. Not only was her meal very unpleasant (as you will see from her comments below), but she also received absolutely no response when contacting both Buffalo's and FatBurger about her complaint.

Here is what she wrote, which she gave us the go ahead to share.

--------
October 4, 2014We went to buffalos today located next to fatburger at the Riverside casino. I got the boneless and tenders combo that came with a small drink. You order at the fatburger register and I've learned if you say you're a local you get 10% off. My combo pictured came to $9.72 after discount. I got the honey garlic boneless and the lemon pepper tenders. None of the chicken were crispy on outside and was actually wet looking from the oil on inside. After a bite of each I didn't dare eat more. The lemon pepper sauce was pretty much no lemon flavor and 90% black pepper ....ewe! The honey garlic was only slightly better but still didn't have any decent taste to it.The line was long and we didn't have time to complain and get different food. Unfortunately since I will be starting work soon I pretty much had some so so chips for lunch with a small diet coke. Guess I'm on a diet without knowing it.Its a shame....I was hoping to have some good chicken this side of the river.I plan on copying this "review" on their contact us page.PS. My friends fatburger meal was good so this post is in regards to the chicken combo only.Picture that was included:

October 12, 2014So remember my post last week about Buffalos? One week later and neither Fatburger management nor Buffalo's contacted me about the experience. Wow. When a place doesn't respond that usually means they either don't care about their bad food or they get so many complaints they don't bother IMHO. There's plenty of other places to choose from in the area that do care.------

We are posting her comments/review and reaching out to the managment or owners of Buffalos for a response, which she was unable to obtain.

Apparently, the Fatburger and Buffalo's in question are not owned by the Riverside Casino.

If you are a Corporate representative of either company or affiliated with this particular location, we would like to put you in touch with this customer directly. If you have a response you would like to share publicly we would also be happy to share that.

Please feel free to contact us at LaughlinBuzz@Gmail.Com

Have you visited the Buffalo's at Fatburger in Laughlin? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.

The content of this post is for information only and the comments/review were posted publicly on Facebook and used with authorization of the author. The comments remain her own. We are not in any way affiliated with the companies referenced.

Bullhead City, AZLaughlin, NVThe once a month Bullhead City Farmers Market takes place again on October 18, 2014 at 9am. 25+ Vendors are expected plus a live band. Free parking, Free Admission. Get their early as it is very popular.

The River Palms was sold and is in the process of becoming the new Laughlin River Lodge.

In spite of all the construction and no gaming, they opened some of the hotel rooms on September 26, 2014. The casino portion of the property has been advertised to be opening on November 1st after they get the necessary gaming approval and license. We did a quick walk through at the end of September and again yesterday. Since our first walk through not much has changed. Here is what we noticed and some of our speculations and opinions.

The Restaurants and Food

During the construction (as of this post) they also are advertising the restaurants are open.

BUT, the Denny's, which used to be open 24 hours, is only open on Saturday and Sunday and the Lodge Steakhouse seems to be open in the evenings. They Lodge is currently offering a Prime Rib Dinner advertised for $9.99 (Sunday through Thursday).

The Lodge Steakhouse

The gift shop is still closed with no merchandise inside.

The Buffet, which is supposed to get a makeover too, is not yet open. Nothing looked any different so far.

Casino Floor, Dotty's and Gaming

They have two Dotty's gaming rooms just about ready. The Dotty's signs are up and machines are in the rooms. One is just past the bar and where the old sports book was. The other is where the old Bingo room was.

Since their new sign inside shows Bingo on the River Walk level, a new Bingo room must be planned.

Workers were busy finishing the configuration of the machines in the Dotty rooms. The main Casino floor is still empty except for spots where the new machines will go.

A worker told us that 175 more machines are set to come in next week. At this time the owners are not seeking a license for Table Games, so don't count on rolling the dice or playing any blackjack at the Laughlin River Lodge.

Another question remains as to how the Dotty's and Main Casino floor are going to merge? The sign calls the main floor the Riverview Gaming area. Will there be one players club or two?

Dotty's Players Card

(this was not obtained at the Laughlin River Lodge. as of our visit their players club was not open)

A Dotty's card to be used in all machines? Or a NEW players club as this sign suggests and a Dotty's card too? Our best guess is Dotty's cards in all machines. We hope not, but will we will see.

Stay tuned, we will drop in there and see as things develop on the Casino floor and in Dotty's. You can also find new updates and pictures in the Laughlin group on Facebook. Many updates and pictures about things going on in Laughlin are posted there daily. Not just about the Laughlin River Lodge. Behind the Walls

Walls are everywhere on the main floor and the second floor. Previously, from the main floor you could look down at the (empty) lower level. This is completely walled in now, leaving only half the former Casino floor available. The lower level is now mostly a hallway with walls on both sides leading from the doors to the pool and the buffet at the other end. It is obvious something new is developing behind all the walled in areas. The question remains as to what will be a part of the remodel and construction.

River Palms Wall Mural as it was seen before they closed

River Palms wall mural still up but hidden behind the walls

Even the big wall logo for The River Palms is still up. This is the one you could see from the lower level, now it is just peeking out behind the temporary walls. That will need to be changed or removed as well.

The SignsNearly all the signs inside have changed but outside is another matter. None of the outdoor signage has changed except a couple small ones by the doors and on the Riverwalk.

Sign in the front of the Casino

Sign on the Riverwalk

On the big noticeable signs:They stripped the River Palms wording and logo off the main marquee sign. If they were NOT going to something new on the sign promptly, why strip it off when they left the rest of the River Palms signs everywhere behind it on the towers. After spending $6.75 million for the purchase perhaps they should of torn this sign right down and put up a new one complete with a video marquee.

The big River Palms signs are still present on the side of the hotel (seen from the Riverwalk) and on both the front and back of the hotel itself,.

With half the month gone, will the Laughlin River Lodge get their outside look to actually match their new name before they "open"?

River Palms logo on top of Hotel on the Riverwalk side and as seen from across the river.

Or will it be a soft gaming open with everything outside still looking like the old River Palms.

River Palms sign/logo/decorative image on the front of the hotel

In need of some Paint while they are changing the signs!

The Hotel and Rooms

Their website is bare bones basic but they do seem to have a reservation system in place now. They have no other restaurant info or other details other than below. According to the LaughlinRiverLodge.Com website (as of this writing) they say:

The casino portion of the property will open upon the receipt of our gaming license, which is expected to be November 1, 2014. So until that time, we will be welcoming guests to the property starting on September 26, 2014, and hope that you will pardon us for some amount of construction that will be going on during this initial phase of the remodel. We have upgraded 200 of our rooms with amenity packages that include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and hair dryer, and flat screen TV. High speed WiFi is included is included at no additional charge. Upon check in, each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water, and each room comes with complimentary snack and candy tray.

We were told they have a sample room you can visit on the 11th floor if you ask. Here is the picture that was posted of it.

"Model" room at the Laughlin River Lodge

Plus another one we found on Twitter.

A public post on Twitter showing the Lauglin River Lodge Rooms

Rooms seem to range from a published rack rate of $49.95 to $56.62 for the Riverview rooms. Only the Riverview rooms appear to have all the amenities listed above. In conclusion, we would of loved to see them remain closed and have a grand re-opening complete with everything in place from signs to the hotel to the restaurants to the Casino floor. Stay tuned, we will post more updates as they are announced or when we see or hear new developments.

*All content in this blog post is presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, times, prices, and events are the sole responsibility of the entity providing the event and are subject to change at their discretion. We received no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. Certain details was taken from LaughlinRiverLodge.Com and from public posts/pictures from Facebook and Twitter. Additional photos were taken by Laughlin Buzz. Opinions remain our own.